Having a pet can de-stress your life!

Some days are just hard. No matter what you do, nothing seems to go your way. You try and try, and at the end of the day are just ready to explode. There’s a response to everything that you do and other people’s words are becoming a major source of the migraine developing behind your temples. You can always talk to someone about how you’re feeling, but that will only end in more words. If they don’t respond, then you’ll surely feel as if they didn’t even listen to what you had to say. You just want a presence to sit and listen to what you have to say, or even just sit in silence.

Sometimes another person is the last thing that you really want to come into contact with. In times like these, furry little four legged companions definitely are a man’s best friend. Even the silent and colorful fish swimming in their aquarium or a reptile sunning on a rock in his habitat have a more relaxing effect on you that no human possibly could at the moment. Having a pet or multiple pets is a wonderful way to help rid stress.

It is simply human nature for everyone to expect something out of you. No matter who you are, or what you do, you’re expected to act a certain way and fulfill certain responsibilities. Our pets don’t necessarily expect anything out of us. Sure, we need to feed and exercise them; but we have to do that for ourselves, as well! They absolutely adore us no matter what, which is one of the reasons that make them so good for us. Here are some others.

We need to feel loved and wanted. Unlike people, pets offer unconditional love whether we want it or not. It’s not easy to remain grumpy with a puppy snuggling in for a hug or a cat purring against our legs.

People need exercise. So do dogs. Kill two birds with one stone and make it a date! Your dog will be ecstatic, and the fresh air and sunshine will boost your spirits and relieve stress.

Simply petting your dog or cat does you good by releasing hormones that relieve stress. If your pet has long hair, take the opportunity to turn quiet time into a grooming session.

Stress and depression are often connected to each other. Having pets lowers the risk of depression, in the ways mentioned above and so many more. Having someone that depends on you and loves you unconditionally, even with a human’s mood swings, is something that many need whether they’re just having a down day or have been diagnosed with depression. Pets are wonderful stress relievers whose only goals in life are to adore their owners. There’s no better reason than that to include a pet in your life!